Spring Equinox 2015 Eclipses

On the same day as the Spring Equinox, a solar eclipse in the last degrees of Pisces kicks off eclipse season for the year. Below is a quick summary of the Spring 2015 eclipses.

Remember that solar eclipses always occur at New Moon, when the Sun and the Moon are on the same side of the earth, while lunar eclipses take place at Full Moon, when the Moon is at maximum light but, like the summer solstice, on the cusp of waning. As such, SOLAR eclipses often represent the start of a NEW personal cycle, one that may take around six months or so to manifest outwardly, and therefore represent INITIATORY energy; as opposed to LUNAR eclipses, which take place at Full Moon and tend to coincide with inner matters or projects that are culminating or coming to the end of their natural life cycle.

SOLAR ECLIPSE in PISCES – 20 March 2015

Zodiac Sign

This eclipse comes at an interesting time –at the start of a new lunar cycle and at the Spring Equinox and on the equivalent of New Year’s Eve in the astrological calendar – and at an interesting place in the zodiac – in the last degrees of Pisces, just prior to the Sun’s ingress into Aries, it offers us a very powerful liminal symbol for that brief pause in between cycles – between the dying of the old and the dawning of the new. As such, I think it should be interpreted as a sort of emotional catharsis or metaphorical exhalation – the sigh of relief after a difficult episode that occurs before you feel ready to embrace a new phase or stage in your life. In other words, in terms of energy and themes, I think that we can expect the next six months to be very much about trying to realise ideals, put ideas into action and turn dreams into reality.

Saros Series

According to Bernadette Brady, this eclipse forms part of what she terms the 17 South Saros family, which she equates with ‘sudden success in group projects or personal relationship matters.’ Other meanings that she attributes to this eclipse family are: ‘Happiness in love, thinking of love matters, good news concerning relationships or creative expression with a group.’[iii]

Eclipse Aspects

This eclipse stands completely on its own – it does not make any aspects to neighbouring planets, so its energy will be quite pure and unadulterated.

The Sun and Moon will both be conjunct the part of the Honourable Acquaintance at the time of the eclipse. This Arabic Lot is calculated in a day chart as: Asc plus Sun minus Fortuna. I think it could be interpreted as the arrival on the scene of a reliable and trustworthy associate, VIP, boss or senior figure who could be of great assistance or support now in helping you make any important changes or transitions over the next six months. On the other hand, it may be time to consider whether or not your behaviour reflects your true intentions and character – themes around personal integrity, moral fibre and the ability to be impeccable with your word are highlighted now under this influence.

Sabian Symbol

The Sabian Symbol for this degree is the great stone face (being the projection of an ideal). According to James Burgess, this Sabian Symbol is all about the…

“…externalization of inner aspiration, which subsequently becomes our life goal. More than anything, we desire to realize in actuality the vision we create of the ideal person – who we would at all costs become.”[i]

This New Moon Solar Eclipse is all about embracing a new way of life and being that allows us to become who we feel we were meant to be. Astrologically, there has never been a better time to begin anew. If you aspire to live a more authentic and spiritually attuned life, then use this energy to begin your journey.

Fixed Stars

The Sun and the Moon will both be conjunct Scheat, the fixed star found in the constellation of Pegasus and associated with the archetype of the sacred horse and the Great Square (an ancient symbol of the intellect, according to Brady) which together symbolise freedom of thought and independent thinking. This suggests that it may be a good time to pursue a life of learning and thinking and not to be afraid to seek out or express one’s own version of the truth, despite what others may think of you.[ii]

Historical Links

For those interested in creating connections to past events, this particular eclipse is linked to the solar eclipse in Pisces of March 1997. In the UK, it ocuurred just before the May 1997 General Elections, which saw Tony Blair and the ‘new’ Labour Party re-enter No.10 Downing Street and the become the governing party after a long period out in the political wilderness.

Previous occurrences

From a mundane point of view, this eclipse family began on 27 May 933, when this Saros series was ‘born’. Similar themes or patterns may then have been repeated during the years: 1907, 1925, 1943, 1961, 1979, and 1997. After this occurrence, this eclipse will take place again in 2033.

Visibility

This eclipse is total and is particularly significant for the UK, Iceland, Greenland and the Scandinavian countries because it will be partially visible from these latitudes. According to Held, ‘ An unobstructed view towards the south-west is required to observe the eclipse.’ This might be true of more northerly latitudes, but in the UK, you will need to look towards the south-east. Once the Moon has obscured the Sun & the skies darken briefly, you should be able to see Venus, Mars and Mercury, all of whom are orbiting quite close to the Sun in the signs of Pisces, Aries and Taurus. Let’s just hope that cloud cover doesn’t obscure this incredible sight from our eyes! The eclipse will start at around 08:45 GMT on Friday and will last until around 11h00 GMT. Let’s just hope for a break in the cloud cover.

LUNAR ECLIPSE in LIBRA – 4 April 2015

Zodiac Sign

Taking place, as it does, in Libra, the sign governing peace, relationships and the law, it is possible that this eclipse might signal the end or culmination of a significant lawsuit, political campaign or relationship. Certainly, issues around fairness, equality, balance and symmetry are likely to be important now.

Saros Series

Brady doesn’t attribute lunar eclipses to a Saros family for some reason. According to van den Berg, this eclipse forms part of Saros series number 132.

Eclipse Aspects

Unlike the solar eclipse, which was unaspected by other planets, this eclipse will form a T-square with Pluto, which suggests a dramatic ending of sorts to events precipitated by the previous six month cycle begun in October 2014. The Sun will also be within 2 degrees of Uranus in Aries, so it seems likely that this eclipse will dovetail into the energy of the Uranus-Pluto square that has been causing such disruption and chaos these last few years. According to Stephen Forrest, the evolutionary astrologer, this energy is very much about breaking down in order to break through. For a more in-depth look at this, visit my March-April 2015 Eclipse column.

Arabic Parts

Interestingly, both the Sun and Moon will be making contact with the lot of the Honourable Acquaintance and the Part of Brethren at the time, echoing themes sparked off by the solar eclipse in at the Spring Equinox. Could this signify favours from a boss or VIP? At this time, though, each of the lights will be opposed to one of the lots, suggesting that some kind of resolution or compromise may be needed before everything can unfold smoothly.

Sabian Symbol

The Sabian Symbol for 14 Libra is IN THE HEAT OF THE NOON, A MAN TAKES A SIESTA. According to Lynda Hill, this Sabian Symbol is all about the need to take a break or call time on something – either an activity or a relationship. Below is a list of keywords that she gives in her book, 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle.

Meditation. The need to take time out. Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. Midday rushes. Recuperating or laziness. Hammocks. Long lunch hours. Rejuvenation. Knowing when to call a halt. Taking breaks. Looking after one’s health. Tiredness and yawning. Hot and demanding days leading to inertia or exhaustion. Dreams and fantasies.

Fixed Stars

The Sun will also conjunct the fixed star, Alpheratz, to which Ptolemy attributed the nature of Venus and Jupiter – adding a much-need spot of benefic energy to this soli-lunar event. According to Vivian Robson, Alpheratz with the Sun is interpreted as being synonymous with ‘honour, preferment and favours from others.’ [iv]

Historical Links

For those interested in creating connections to past events, the last time we had a lunar eclipse in Libra was on the 15th of April 2014. To read more about this, visit my April 2014 Eclipses Breakdown.

Previous occurrences

This particular eclipse series is linked to the lunar eclipse of March 24 1997, which took place at 4 degrees Libra.

Visibility

Held says that this lunar eclipse, which will take place shortly after midday, will be the brightest (and shortest) of such events for 100 years. This is because the Moon will be at the ‘extreme northern edge of the earth’s shadow’. On top of this, ‘scattered light from the Earth will undoubtedly illuminate the other side of the Moon.’ In addition, Spica, the alpha star in the constellation of Virgo, will be ‘positioned close to the obscured Moon, forming a strong contrast to its darkly ochre colouring,’[iii] so it should be quite a dramatic sight! Just a pity, then, that it will take place in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully, it will not coincide with another earthquake, either in Chile or New Zealand – fingers crossed!

REFERENCES:

[i] Burgess, Full Circle: Commentary on the Work of Dr Marc Edmund Jones as an Introduction to his Understanding Of Sabian Symbols, http://www.jamesburgess.com/